Lal Bahadur Shastri Biography, Early Life, Political Career

Lal Bahadur Shastri Biography: Lal Bahadur Shastri was an Indian politician who served as India's second prime minister. He played an important part in the country's campaign for independence from British colonial rule, as well as in moulding its post-independence fate.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Biography

Lal Bahadur Shastri was an Indian politician and statesman who served as India's second prime minister between 1964 to 1966. He previously served as India's sixth home minister, from 1961 to 1963. His simplicity, sincerity, and outstanding leadership during the Indo-Pak War of 1965 garnered him national esteem. 

The leader noted for his slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" emphasised the importance of both troops and farmers in nation-building and development. This biography, published on the occasion of Lal Bahadur Shashtri's birthday, will provide insight into his personal life, political career, accomplishments, and legacy. The day's strong devotion to peace, agriculture, and economic prosperity is still recognised and honoured in India.

Also read: Jawaharlal Nehru Biography

Early Life and Education 

Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2nd October 1904 in a small town called Mughalsarai in Uttar Pradesh. His father's name was Sharda Prasad Srivastava, who worked as a school teacher and later a clerk, and his mother’s name was Ramdulari Devi. When Shastri was just one year old, his father passed away, and the family faced a lot of financial difficulties. His mother took care of him and raised him with strong values like honesty, humility, and simplicity. 

He was a bright and hardworking student since childhood. He studied at Harish Chandra High School in Varanasi. Later, he joined Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalaya, a nationalist institution that promoted Indian values and education during British rule. There, he studied philosophy and social sciences and was given the title “Shastri,” meaning a scholar. His time at Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalaya also shaped his thoughts about freedom, service, and sacrifice. This period laid the foundation for his simple lifestyle and dedication to the nation.

Shastri married Lalita Devi on May 16, 1928. The couple had four sons and two daughters, including Kusum Shastri, Hari Krishna Shastri, the oldest daughter, and Suman Shastri, the eldest son. Shastri, who stood 5 feet 2 inches tall, always wore a dhoti. He only wore pyjamas once, during a 1961 supper at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honour of the Queen of the United Kingdom.

Also read: Political parties in Uttar Pradesh

Involvement in Freedom Struggle 

Lal Bahadur Shastri participated in India’s freedom struggle, joining movements like the Salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movements. He was jailed multiple times for his role in fighting against British rule. Here is the details of the movements: 

• Joining the Movement: Inspired by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Shastri actively participated in the Indian independence movement. In 1921, he joined the Non-Cooperation Movement and was briefly imprisoned. 

• Major Contributions:

• Salt Satyagraha (1930): Led a door-to-door campaign in Allahabad, urging people to defy British salt laws.

• Quit India Movement (1942): Imprisoned for his role in demanding immediate British withdrawal from India.

Also read: Freedom fighters of Uttar Pradesh

Political Career 

Lal Bahadur Shastri held key positions like Railway Minister and Home Minister before becoming India’s second Prime Minister in 1964. His political career was marked by honesty, strong leadership, and dedication to public service. Here is the details of his political career: 

• State Minister

Shastri was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in Uttar Pradesh, his home state. Rafi Ahmed Kidwai went to become a minister at the centre on August 15, 1947, and was appointed Minister of Police and Transport by Chief Minister Govind Ballabh Pant. He was the first to appoint female conductors during his tenure as Minister of Transportation. While serving as minister in charge of the Police Department, he instructed officers to use water jets rather than lathis to disperse disruptive crowds. During his tenure as police minister (or home minister, as it was known prior to 1950), communal unrest in 1947 were effectively contained, as were mass migration and refugee resettlement.

• Cabinet Minister

Shastri was named general secretary of the All-India Congress Committee in 1951, while Jawaharlal Nehru was the president. He was critical to the Congress Party's landslide victories in the Indian General Elections of 1952, 1957, and 1962. In 1952, he successfully contested for UP Vidhansabha from the Soraon North/Phulpur West constituency, winning with more than 69% of the vote. Thought to be retaining his job as UP's home minister, Nehru unexpectedly summoned him to the Centre as a minister. On May 13, 1952, Shastri was named Minister of Railways and Transport in the Indian Republic's First Cabinet.

In 1959, he was Minister of Commerce and Industry; in 1961, he was Minister of Home Affairs. Shastri established Mangalore Port in 1964, while serving as a minister without a specified portfolio.

• Prime Minister

Nehru died on May 27, 1964, while still in power. Shastri was appointed prime minister on June 9, 1964, by Congress Party president K. Kamaraj. Shastri was a Nehruvian socialist who was mild-mannered and soft-spoken, making him acceptable to those trying to prevent conservative right-winger Morarji Desai from gaining power.

Death and Legacy 

• Death: On January 11, 1966, Shastri died of a heart attack in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, shortly after signing the Tashkent Agreement with Pakistan. His untimely death has been the subject of doubt. 

• Posthumous Honors: Awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 1966. His legacy is commemorated through institutions like the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration and various roads and public spaces named in his honor.